The National Day of Prayer observance at the Wisconsin capitol drew about 100 men and women over the noon hour today, and consisted of more than just prayers. "We are praying with an ear to hear what the Lord has to say to us," said Joleen Helbig, Wisconsin National Day of Prayer State Coordinator.

Those present included lawmakers, businessmen and women, clergy, and others who are concerned about the strength of our state and national spiritual foundation. Also present was someone who may, in the long run, help change the spiritual climate in Wisconsin's legislature.

Twenty-four states have a state minister working in their legislatures. Paul Meinsen, National Field Director for the Capitol Commission, was in Madison to explore the possibility of a state minister for the Wisconsin legislature.

State ministers provide spiritual counseling, prayer, and lead Bible studies for legislators, lobbyists, and staff members. They do not take sides on political issues. "There are other organizations for that purpose," Meinsen said.

In addition to working with lawmakers, Meinsen said he tries to encourage pastors to consider what their political role should be. Some tend to avoid politics altogether, while others are heavily involved in political issues. Meinsen believes both extremes stray from what the Bible teaches.

He recalled one Southern Baptist pastor who had decided to change his approach towards politicians. "All I've ever done is ridicule them," the pastor told him. The pastor wrote letters of apology and began to consider the spiritual needs that they might have, that he could pray for and discuss with them.

After the Day of Prayer observance today Meinsen met with a group of pastors at a local restaurant to give them more information about the ministry he represents. "Our prayer now is that God will send us the right guy for this job," he said.

Meinsen said that one Wisconsin lawmaker already hosts a Wednesday morning Bible study in his capitol office. He believes that's a good starting point for ministry. "It takes several years to earn the respect and trust of the lawmakers," he said, basing it on his own experience working at the Missouri capitol in Jefferson City.

But many lawmakers, sometimes surprisinly so, are open to ministry. "Ninety five percent of the people who walk into a representatives office want something," he said. "We walk in and say, 'What can we do for you?'"

The prayers at today's observance we lead by:

Bob Goodsell, Dane County Chiefs of Police Association, for the military and law enforcement